Rivers 2027: Wike fires strong warning to APC secretary, vows to reject ‘order from above’

Former Rivers State governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, over comments linked to the political situation in Rivers State, declaring the state a “no-go area” for political provocations.

The reaction comes after Basiru criticised an APC party official for referring to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a “so‑called governor of Rivers State” during a political gathering in Gokana Local Government Area. Basiru described the language as unbecoming of a national party officer, saying it undermines the dignity of an elected governor, and insisted that even amid political differences, respect for office must be maintained.

Paraphrasing his remarks, Basiru said:

“I find it unfortunate that a member of the NWC … was referring to a governor in our party as a ‘so‑called governor of Rivers State’ … Even if the governor is not in our party, you can’t refer to an elected governor as ‘so‑called’ to please anybody.”

Wike, who spoke during a political gathering in Rivers on Monday, cautioned Basiru to steer clear of Rivers politics, warning that past attempts to undermine the state’s political structure had ended in failure.

“Tell the APC National Secretary to leave Rivers State alone. Go and ask those who have tried it before,” Wike said.

The former governor warned that the support given to President Bola Tinubu by Rivers stakeholders should not be taken for granted, stressing that reckless statements could trigger unnecessary political tension.

“Don’t take our support for President Tinubu for granted. You have to be careful with your statements,” he added.

Wike accused Basiru of speaking from a position of distance and ignorance, insisting that political realities on ground in Rivers were well known to those who had worked and invested in the state’s political structure.

“You’re enjoying in Osun, but you don’t know those who did the work here, yet you’re opening your mouth to talk about Rivers State,” Wike said.

In a further escalation, the FCT minister said he would formally raise the matter with senior APC figures, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, urging party leaders to caution Basiru against inflaming tensions.

“When President Tinubu comes back, when I see the Minister of Blue Economy, I will tell them to tell him, go and ask other people what have happened to them before. Carrying your hand to come to Rivers State, If your hand burn, Don’t say na me burn ham o.” he said.

Wike added that he was prepared to confront any individual.

The FCT Minister also mocked speculations that he would be given instruction from above to allow Gov. Fubara run for second term.

“I can challenge anybody. This state is a no-go area. Anything you see, take it,” he boasted.